Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:41:09 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 10
Arden' Saga
by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
This is a narrative. It is a work of historical fiction. The operative
word in that sentence is fiction. Sex between males, males and females,
between females, of both contemporaries and intergenerational is common. I
am sure, not common enough for some and to common for others. Some of the
descriptions are graphic, others not, still others are only statements of
happening or just illusions to occurrences. The main characters are male
and most of the sex is between them.
If the sexual nature is offensive or you are disqualified due to age or
location, don't read it. You have been warned. I hope you like what you
read and find the characters and their exploits/adventures interesting.
Nifty and I hold the copyright so posting it or making money from it
without permission or sharing, is unethical. That said, if you wish to
quote reasonable length passages please be kind enough to sight them. You
will find a few quotations or only slightly edited passages in some
chapters. References are provided in the text.
Help keep Nifty on line if you can, please donate to the cause.
10: Conflicts
1312, the 10th month, 14th day:
Janus arrived from the east with news. It was a verbal report.
"Sire, the battle is ours, the cost was minimal. Prince Tertius will
arrive tomorrow and the entire army is three days march."
"Were you witness to the fighting Janus?"
"I was witness to the events, we did not fight but the snow. When the
prince arrived on the 12th it was already snowing. I arrived on the 13th,
in time to see the prince and a small party returning from a meeting with
the Florentine commanders. The snow was already deep to my knee. The
border guardians on both sides were dismissed for the winter, as is our
mutual custom and your previous order. Immediately after the Florentines
and the two customs officials retried, our Ingegneres, under the direction
of Archimedes, diverted the small water fall that runs behind the Gate
House to spill over the ground running into our neighbour's land. At first
light our watchers signalled we should come forward. It was very funny and
also quite tragic at the same time. A comic'tragedy if such exists.
We could see, by walking a short distance into that country, the Florentine
army struggling to move up the snow and ice covered road. That foolish
priest was urging them forward but they made little and very slow progress.
Men in armour combined with winter clothing could make only hesitant steps,
all the while the water continued to flow making more and more ice. The
tragic part were the horses, many fell and were injured in the process, the
road was littered with them; many had to be killed on the spot. By mid day
a goodly number of our solders had gathered at the border but none of their
fighters could advance sufficiently to even make an attempt to attack.
While in range, the archers on both sides held fire. One of their officers
made his way to the priest and several men ceased him, dragging him down
the hill. The officer started to send his men back. He came close enough,
with some difficulties I must say, that we could hear each other. He
saluted us, saying we were the most worthy adversary he had ever faced and
he hoped that both our leaders could get this resolved without further
bloodshed. The captain responded in kind. The officer asked if the young
junior lieutenant would like the privilege of dispatching that evil priest,
he was most welcome.
The Captain said he was not present but the priest is now the living dead
anyway, since all know him for what he is. The officer then said this was
the best battle he had ever seen since both sides were defeated by a
superior force and could now withdraw with honour. Our captain agreed and
expressed his regret that so many fine animals were sacrificed for nothing.
The officer then smiled and replied, 'as one professional solder to
another, thank you.' Our Captain hoped to meet the officer in person, to
share some ale. They bowed to each other again and he departed, as did
we."
Most of the cavalry began arriving late in the day. They will mostly
replace the units now guarding the castle. Those units would be sent to
reinforce the coastal defences. The high tide would allow their larger
ships in close to shore and in some places even to the quays, of the now
abandoned fishing villages.
1312, the 10th month, 15th day:
Drakon awakened us at first light. It was perhaps even before first light,
as we needed to light lamps to find our clothing. He had come for his new
brother Kleitos, promising to keep him safe, his hands were desperately
needed in the preparation for battle.
Iason and I quickly dressed and rushed to the stables. Our horses were
already being saddled by Kleitos and Drakon. Other Palace Boys had secured
our light armour and weapons. Once dressed we received food in the court
yard with the other Knights and solders. Kleitos and Drakon packed food,
drink and rain repellent cloaks in our saddle bags. Over our armour we
wore warm military riding clocks with peaked hoods, which mostly covered
our faces. Our guardians were dressed like us. The knights formed little
groups and rode out when ready. We hung back for our fathers.
Kleitos and Drakon scurried back into the castle when the grooms brought
out the King's and Consort's horses. While we tried to look inconspicuous,
standing off to one side, a Knight recognized me and came over to us. He
pulled our hoods back and with a very stern expression began admonishing us
about the difference between men's and boy's work. Saying to our guardians
to not only keep us safe but out of the way. Another knight seeing this
approached and began admonishing the first to be more understanding of the
young princes. He went so far as to praise us for our courage, if perhaps
founded in ignorance. "Would you or I have done different at their age?"
The two Knights debated the foolishness of our venture deciding that, as
Pyrros pointed out, the princes' protection was their responsibility. For
our part we promised to keep out of way and should any significant danger
present, remove ourselves from it. Just as father and uncle came through
the door the great bell began to toll. We knew a signal had come that
battle was not far off. Uncle Iason indicated which Knights would ride
with him and Father with him. Now we were in a quandary, do we ride with
parent or mentor. Uncle chose for me. "Prince Arden goes with his mentor
and Prince Iason with his." We scramble to our horses and followed the
leader.
"Come Arden," the king called motioning with his arm. I moved up in the
pack next to him. "How did you know Iason and I were in the crowd of
Knights and Squires," I asked.
"How did you know Karyakos and I were planning to ride out this morning?"
Then leaning over and speaking more softly. "We did not tell you of our
plans so you would not ask to come along."
"I understand, that way you would not need to forbid it."
"True, we could not invite you to danger but if you two were clever enough
to make your own arrangements, that too must be honoured. Now hear this
Prince, if I must give the order for you to retire you and your guardians
will do just that and as fast as Zephyros can carry you."
"Yes Sire, I understand. Why did you choose me and not Iason," I asked?
"Because if a father chooses his son he would be unable to send him away,
even if that is the most prudent thing to do or act in the best interest of
the state, if the need to protect him came about. Such is a father's love
but a mentor's love, as strong, is more reasoned."
Later as we rode to the southern headland, to watch the impending navel
battle and landings; my mentor suggested I spend some time studying the
works of Xenophon the historian. He laughed and added, the works of
Xenophon of Ephesus are also worth reading but not studying. I have
already read a short treatises by him called, On Horsemanship. It is very
good. I am sure Kleitos must also have read it, since it is one of the few
books in Koalhurst.
When we reached the headlands our little party stopped and dismounted. The
little party was greater than the observation garrison stationed there.
King Iason and I, our four guards, five Knights, 5 squires, 12 horse
guards, two Generals and 4 of their aids. On the headland we could also
see Prince Karyakos and his party of like size. Out to sea we could see
three central things. First, a mighty storm was gathering to the north and
the wind from that direction was cool and very strong. Second, our fleet
moving south, driven before the storm and closing on the Florentine fleet,
the third item, at great speed. The Florentine fleet was much larger than
ours, which counted 12 large war vessels and 6 smaller. The Florentines
had at least 20 large war ships and 15 smaller vessels. They were
attempting to close on our shore but were moving much slower. I was told,
that results from their necessity to tack and row against a strong wind.
"One lesson you will learn today Arden, has to do with a greed for power
and how it distorts men's rational thinking. Many brave and honourable men
will be killed and for what purpose?"
I understand why our people, including us are motivated. We are defending
our homes, families, our culture. I could not understand what was
motivating the Florentines. Everyone tells me we are not rich; our land is
good, but not better than other places; our people work no harder or are no
better looking. This place is not in some strategic location. It just
makes no sense to me.
Uncle Jason wrapped his arms around me. "Today Arden you will see things
no boy of 12 should ever see. Unlike in the east their will be no retreat,
no yielding to a higher power." There were tears in his eyes. "Some day
you and Iason will share absolute authority over life and death. The price
of that authority is very high son. Always remember, responsibility is
commensurate with authority and the weight of that burden requires the
shoulders of Atlas. Feel these shoulders Arden. They are those of a man,
not a Titan."
I am not sure I understood this lesson completely. I suspect my mentor
knew that and also knew even the teacher is still learning.
I found it very hard to watch and wait. I could see messages being sent
and received from sea and across the land. The Ingegneres were calculating
and measuring. They reported the distance of the Florentines from the
shore, the strength of the wind, the distance of our fleet from the enemy,
the time to engagement. Suddenly the Florentine fleet broke into three
parts. It took a short time for them to completely separate. One part
south, one north and the third and largest force straight on.
These ships were all long and rather narrow with Mediterranean sails. All
of them also had large oars to assist in propulsion. As our ships closed
the Florentines became aware of them but by this time the three parts were
separated by enough distance to make each committed to its objectives.
Most of the smaller Florentine ships were in the two groups heading for
landing on the coast, the largest were headed into our main harbour.
Suddenly along the coast and on both headlands huge red, and blue flags
were raised on tall poles. Mentor told me they were navigational aids for
our ships. The main Florentine force had now strung itself out into a long
line. Since our harbour entrance was so narrow they must come through one
at a time. The idea was the rising tide would carry them swiftly past the
entrance.
I had only some general idea what measures Archimedes had designed for this
but I was sure he had many. What I had not noticed before is a huge iron
chain stretched between the nearly vertical rock cliffs on either side. It
was positioned about one ship length from the rock like gates. The chain
now lay just below the water. I could also see the tide was rushing in
through the gate and as the first ship approached it seemed to be caught in
the current. Suddenly the ship stopped moving forward, its stern end came
out of the water pitching many solders and sailors into the churning sea.
The second ship was now caught up by the current and the helmsman and oars
men tried frantically not to ram the now stricken and sinking one ahead.
They were partly successful but their large forward ram smashed into the
rock cliff. By this time the third, fourth and fifth ships struck their
sails and began turning away to avoid further collisions. It was obvious
the second ship was taking water but was not sinking yet and it managed to
move out of the way. The General ordered the catapults into action and
soon a rain of large rocks was smashing into both ships. These rocks were
so large I could not quite get my arms around them and it took ten men to
move them into position. Of the ten rocks thrown, 8 were hits. Three on
the first ship which was now sunk and four on the second which was now
sinking. I could see men in the water, solders in armour can not swim
well. Many were drowning. The shore in this area is not hospitable and
very rocky, some men were making to it. The third and forth fourth ships
approached but were trying not to get to close for fear of the catapults
and the current.
A Catapult's range is also a function of weight being thrown. Once in
range the catapults exploded again this time throwing something I could not
identify. Much smaller things, as the projectiles hit the ships they were
engulfed in flames even the ones that hit the water burned. "Greek Fire" I
was told. I could hear the screaming of the men being burned on the two
ships which were completely engulfed in flames. It looked like the fleet
was about to turn and flee when our ships struck from the north. All 12
ships came upon the line at a speed faster then Zephyros could possible
gallop. They were moving so fast that their rams crashed into the
Florentines with such force they kept on going and just rammed over them.
A few Florentines managed to get turned and were not rammed. I counted 8
more ships sunk immediately and two engaged in combat. Suddenly the
thunder or what I thought was thunder rang out. These were the new
cannons, two mounted on each of our ships. And more Greek fire from
smaller ship mounted catapults put the other 4 on fire and running for
their lives.
King Iason ordered a signal to the inner harbor and I could see every
fishing boat in the place making for the open sea. They were commissioned
to pick up and save as many sailors and marines as possible. I could also
see our smaller ships circling around and coming back to pick up as many
men from the water as possible. The larger ships split into two groups
each chasing the enemy to the north and south.
We could see down the south shore but not the north. The enemy was now
landing at several places along the south coast. These were all abandoned
fishing villages. We rode in that direction for a closer look. At the
place we came to a small stream tumbled down the steep rock walls, forming
a narrow slippery and difficult valley, from the highland to the little
village. A narrow walkway allowing passage, in single file, provided foot
or donkey access.
Three ships had landed here pulling up on the rocky shore, as no quay of
adequate size existed. The tide would soon be going out and these ships
would be stranded unless they could get unloaded quickly. The General had
positioned archers along the crest of the bluff and they were continuously
shooting arrows on the disembarking solders. Making them go slow and
carefully. When about half of the solders had landed the archers switched
to fire arrows, setting the ships afire. Unlike the earlier fires these
burned more slowly allowing most of the crews and solders to escape and
even put them out.
The soldiers began making their way up the narrow valley. No one attacked
them. As they reached the top they were met by several hundred archers and
foot soldiers backed by cavalry. One by one they surrendered throwing
their weapons on a pile. Things did not go so smoothly everywhere along
the coast, in one place our navy engaged the Florentine ships on the water,
sinking two with one excepting to the south. In another the access valley
was less narrow but just as steep. Those men put up a good fight and we
lost a number of our own fighters before they were forced to surrender.
In the north at one place, the ships were sunk or burned but the solders
refused to take the chance of the narrow valley, instead occupying the
houses in the village. Karyakos ordered they be left alone, suggesting
after a few days with no food their attitude would change.
I could see the storm was now almost upon us. Their would be much rain and
cool weather. Prince Tertius came riding up to us. He had that look on
his face one only gets from victory. It was obvious to me that having this
many prisoners would present some difficulties. He asked that the senior
Florentine commanders be brought forward. This was all happening while the
injured solders and sailors were still being brought up the valley.
Tertius met with the commanders proposing that they cooperate with him to
ensure the best welfare of their subordinates. He suggested a public
display of surrender by handing over their swords. They would then march
about half a league to a tent camp, food and water. They were incredulous
at first.
"My brothers have instructed us that all prisoners of war are to be treated
as guests and with all the respect brave men of honour are entitled. We
ask you give your word that hostilities and combativeness will be put aside
while you are here; we give our word that you will be fed, sheltered and
treated with respect as men of honour. You should retain command of your
people. I also suggest we move with some haste as this storm will soon be
upon us all."
I noticed that a small group of about 15 boys, some not older than myself,
were huddled together on the edge of the prisoners having been among the
last to have come up the valley. I went over to investigate; they were all
a bit cautious of me. I spoke Latin not Greek to them, they began to
answer my questions. I learned they were chamber boys, officer's aids and
as one boy admitted, mostly sex slaves. I asked if they were all slaves or
in some other way bound to the men they served. Slaves one boy said
looking at the ground. Volos could see the look on my face and without
saying another word assisted me in removing my cloak and my outer amour to
reveal my Royal Colours. He and Pyrros did the same. I got the attention
of a knight. He and his squire came over to us.
"Sir Knight please escort these boys and myself to an audience with King
Iason." On hearing that the boys were on their knees before me. "Fear
not, I intend you no harm. In this kingdom slavery is not permitted. You
are too young to be soldiers, so you must be my guests and will be treated
as such."
I pointed to one telling him to mount my horse and look over the group to
see if there are any other boys not in this group. He hesitated so I
gestured with my thumb. He climbed up and stood high finding three more.
Sir Lysimachos and his squire escorted us to the King, who was still
talking to the senior commanders of the vanquished. When he saw our
colours being displayed and us leading a group of what was 18 boys and a
Knight, he smiled. I'm sure he knew what I was about but said nothing.
I knelt down and said, "Sire, these boys are all slaves or bound servants.
Since Slavery and binding to servitude is illegal in your kingdom, I
request you place them under the protection of Parga's Princes and give Sir
Lysimachos leave to escort them to the castle."
Uncle Iason did not say anything for a long pause. I was about to plead
when his smile broke. He could not contain it. "If that is your request
let it be so. I can not reassign Sir Lysimachos but if you ask your Uncle,
he may do so."
I asked Prince Tertius. "Am I not a Prince and commander of the southern
army?"
"Yes." Then they are already under my protection are they not?" He
laughed and so did everyone else even the boys who were getting translation
of the Greek from Pyrros. "Sir Lysimachos is needed here but I will ride
with you, will that do Prince Arden?" At that I leaped into his arms and
kissed him. That got a cheer from all who could see, even the prisoners.
The commander of the invading army or this part of it, removed his belt and
sword knelt down and presented it to me. "It is an honour and a privilege
to surrender to you Prince Arden. On behalf of my men we swear to abide by
the laws and rules of this kingdom for as long as we are privileged to stay
here."
I did not know what to say so Uncle Jason whispered. "Hold the sword high
above your head. Accept his surrender, thank him and ask us all to go in
peace." I did to a great cheer.
We quickly mounted up, each of us taking a boy on our horse, even the King,
who scooped up the smallest child and rode back to the castle, but not
before the rain came. Iason and Karyakos arrived shortly after us but they
only had 10 boys.
In the stables the boys all assisted in caring for the animals. Kleitos
came along with about six Palace Boys. I was absolutely amazed at how
quickly he got the guest boys organized in distributing food and water. We
were later told about another 50 or so boys that would be arriving over the
next day or two as all the prisoners got sorted out.
It was only much later that I realized their must have been many boys on
those ships that perished when they were sunk. Iason told me we must be
thankful for those we were able to help. He also pointed out that our
special relationship with our fathers gives us a special role as child
advocates. We have great influence and at the highest possible level. I
realize he is correct, that realization brings another. Knowing you have
power and influence means you need take great care to use it wisely. We
are still boys ourselves.
We used our authority again and multiplied our responsibilities as well.
Now we have a host of new and I am sure loyal followers, we must make sure
we do right by them, what ever that is. Neither of us know.
I spotted one of the Triangles and holding my fingers and thumb in that
shape flashed him a signal. He came close to Iason and myself. "These
boys are under the protection of us Princes and must be treated as guests.
We all need to bathe and they all need clean, dry clothing, can you
assist?"
"It will be my pleasure in any way I can."
"If we hurry," Iason interjected, "we can get to the baths before the
knights. Bring as many Palace Boys as you can, with extra clothing and
join us there.
"You should tell the cooks about the new mouths to feed as well," Kleitos
said as he passed by. Just then Iason spotted the small boy brought in by
Uncle Iason, sitting on the Kings stallion, crying his little eyes out. I
could also see the mighty King pleading with the boy, but in Greek,
probably forgetting the lad did not speak our language. (TN: Latin, by
1300 was well dead as a spoken language but often close to Italian and
French dialects of the day.)
Iason followed by myself ran to them. "Father", he said in Greek, which is
close enough to Latin as to be understood. "Why does he cry, did you
frighten him?" Jason said in Latin, which is not the language of his mother
tongue but close to what is spoken south of Naples. The boy shook his head
no and reached out to the King. King Iason took the lad to his breast and
held him tight to his person.
"He told me his name is Joulous."
"Joulous," Iason said, "tell us why you cry so?"
Between the sobs he answered, "Cannot find, my twin brother, Justus."
"We will find him little one, we will find him." The king pulled the boy
tight to his chest again and stroked his wet hair. Then he dropped to one
knee putting all of our faces at the same level. "Princes, Joulous is
under your protection but he is too young to live with the other boys. I
would take him to live with your siblings and Princess Elpis, with your
permission of course." This got the lad's attention. The king asking
another boy, prince or no for permission."
Joulous please go with our father, you will be safe with our family, I told
him.
Iason, we must get to know all of these boys and swiftly. When we got to
the baths I counted even more Palace Boys than guests. Old Alexandros was
giving directions; as we entered he counted each guest assigning them that
number and one of the Palace Boys stepped forward obviously pre assigned to
that number. Each Palace Boy introduced himself and learned the name of
his assigned guest. When all of us were naked and ready for our bath Iason
and I went around the pool meeting each guest and greeting everyone. Those
Palace Boys that were not needed and that didn't need a bath, departed.
All the remaining entered the pool and began bathing each other. Once
clean Iason and I started throwing sponges. The Palace Boys knew this
game, the guests learned very quickly. It ended with Iason and I kissing
each other while everyone else cheered us on or got to it themselves.
By the time we arrived in the dining hall Karyakos and Tertius were already
at the table. Each Palace Boy-Guest pair was greeted by the princes so
their names and ages could be learned. When everyone was seated Karyakos
rose and made a short speech. He officially welcomed the guests to our
home. "We know you and the others arriving in the next few days did not
choose to come here, we sincerely hope you choose to stay. Each of you is
assigned a guide. You will spend the next fortnight in the almost
continuous company of that guide. Alexandros the Second Steward wishes me
to remind all that should this arrangement prove difficult, for any reason,
to approach him for rearrangements. It is our desire that the guests and
guides become friends but we know friendship can not be mandated, only the
desire. Any boy under the age of 12 must be placed in the care of a palace
family until 12, when he may live in the dormitory. Sex with any child
under the age of 12 is forbidden to adults and discouraged among children.
The guides have been assigned since our language and culture is
significantly different than what any of you have known before. Here
respect for office is freely given. Respect for the person filling that
office is earned by their deeds. When Prince Arden placed you under our
protection you became wards of the Crown. That means you are now children
of the King, as such you are now brothers all. Brothers stand by each
other and work together for the benefit of the family as well as the
individual.
Except for the exceptional beauty of my sons, I trust you all noticed
something that goes to the heart of this kingdom. When naked in the
bathing pool everyone of you are the same. I know you have been told since
you were born that you are some how lesser than someone else and being
children, everyone else. In this kingdom all citizens are equal before the
laws and what ever god or gods you choose to worship. No man or woman is
greater or lesser.
To King Iason and myself the greatest treasure in this kingdom are its
children. In every religion we are aware of, children are considered a
gift from god or gods. Gifts from the divine must be honoured. This
brings to mind another difference between ourselves and other places.
Here, honour is not a finite commodity to be gained or lost at someone
else's expense. Here, honour is granted to you by others. As it is
granted it can be taken away but never at the expense of someone else.
When you choose to stay or go that decision will not dishonour us or
yourselves. If you choose to stay it will honour us greatly but if you
choose to go it will also honour us.
I was surprised to see most of the servers were Knights, Squires, even
scholars. All former Palace Boys, I was told, who had served under
Alexandros as boys. From the looks on the faces of the guests and the
questions they were asking their guides it was obvious the message was
coming through very clearly.
Just as we were about to leave for our sleeping quarters Janus burst into
the room, still dressed in his cloak, dripping water. "I bring the best
news of the day. The twin brother was found and is now sleeping in
Princess Elpis' quarters."
"Come Janus, eat and tell us about it," Prince Tertius boomed.
"The King sought me out and opening his cloak bid me to look well upon his
new son Joulous and to find his twin brother Justus. I took Zephyros
Prince Arden, as my house was badly in need of rest." Kleitos was up and
heading for the door. "Kleitos all is well you need not bother. I rode to
three camps and found him at the third."
"Well my brother is quick off the mark if nothing else," Prince Tertius
remarked.
"What of the other boys," Iason inquired.
"All seemed well Prince. They were well sheltered and have been fed. I
don't know about the north but in the south at least 50 between the three
camps, also about 15 are in the city being brought to shore by the fishers.
The word of your protection order has spread, all I saw were being well
cared for."